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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2015 Present: Bill Gogolewski, Sean Fitzgerald, Jim Michelson, Megan Schuessler, Jonathan Wilson, Terry Wohler Excused: Victor Girens, Carrie Rule, Bill Miller Trish Marks, Recording Secretary Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Guests: Byron Walleser, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wohler called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Fitzgerald for approval of the January 12, 2015 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 5-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss/recommend acceptance of donations for Inclusive Playground at South Park Mr. Maurer gave a brief background of the donation request and read his Memorandum dated February 3, 2015 addressed to the City Council and Park Board members (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these minutes). He stated staff has been working with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) on a third party agreement for the construction of the playground similar to the process that was followed for the construction of Pollock Community Water Park and the River Otter Exhibit. The OACF has established a fund for this project and will be working with Gerber Leisure Products, Inc., to design and construct the playground to be later donated to the City upon completion. Mr. Wilson arrived at this time (6:08 PM) thereby making a 6-member Board. Mr. Maurer gave a brief synopsis of the fundraising efforts and stated that City staff is recommending that the City match the $140,000 that has been raised to date. The additional $40,000 that is being requested over the already approved funding of $100,000 would come from Parks Department capital improvement projects that have been completed under budget since 2011. Some of those projects include the Menominee Park Lakefly Café restrooms and Abe Rochlin Park restrooms, since they were bid at the same time there was significant savings and the South Park Master Plan. Mr. Gogolewski inquired as to where the extra $5,000 was going towards. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 9, 2015 Mr. Maurer explained that the $5,000 would be used for contingency funds as there may be a need to expend additional funds for the drain tile work extension, among other things. He noted that the community is still proceeding with fundraising efforts. Pam DeLap, 685 Clairville Road, Town of Nekimi, stated she was present representing the Inclusive Playground Project Committee. The committee did a lot of community outreach efforts, including the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market, Gallery Walk, various parades, and approaching local businesses. Diane Abraham, Wyldewood Drive, President and CEO of Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, stated that the OACF is proud to play a part in bringing this playground to fruition and is excited to work with this project to make the community better. Mr. Gogolewski inquired as to start and end times for this project. Mr. Maurer stated that it is hoped to have excavation commenced in mid-April (construction taking approximately 3 weeks) and completion being in mid to late May. He explained that the poured-in-place surface requires warmer weather for installation. Mr. Michelson inquired if there was any public input relative to the playground equipment. Mr. Maurer stated that this has been a project that included groups/individuals with special needs. He explained some of the play elements and how they are handicapped accessible for not only children with special needs, but grandparents and adults with special needs. Mr. Maurer also stated that the new restrooms in South Park will be constructed in the fall of 2015 and will be ADA compliant. He stated that there is an existing path that will connect to the splash pad area. Ms. DeLap stated that the poured-in-place surface is one of the biggest improvements that the group is excited about. The wood chips, sand and grass that is used for many playground surfaces creates a barrier for handicapped individuals to get to the play structures. The poured-in-place surface will remove those barriers and make it more accessible to individuals with special needs. Senior citizens that have mobile issues, grandparents and other users in wheelchairs will benefit from this project as well as children. Mr. Fitzgerald wished to thank the OACF and Committee for their efforts with respect to the inclusive playground project. He inquired as to the anticipated life expectancy of the equipment. Mr. Maurer stated that playground equipment typically has a life span of 15-20 years dependent upon usage. The poured-in-place surface will save on annual maintenance and should last 20-25 years. Another good component of the poured-in-place surface is that the highly used sections can be cut out and the surface easily replaced. The surface areas that are not highly used most likely would last 25-30 years. Motion by Gogolewski to recommend acceptance of donations for Inclusive Playground at South Park; Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 6-0. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated that the Stevens Park restroom project was approved by the Plan Commission and staff is currently working on bid documents for early March. The deadline for construction to be completed is mid-July. He has received inquiries from the neighbors of Stevens Park requesting that the shelter not be rented out due to limited parking. The issue of rental for that shelter might come before the Board at a later date for discussion. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE FEBRUARY 9, 2015 Mr. Maurer stated that with respect to special events at Menominee Park, the Otter Street Fishing Tournament seemed to be a good success this past weekend; he wished the next two events, to-wit: Polar Plunge and Battle on BAGO the same success. OTHER BUSINESS There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Gogolewski for adjournment; seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:26 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary